Extendable passenger loading bridge having improved placement of roller assemblies

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are passenger loading bridge tunnels having improved placement of roller assemblies. Two or more separate tunnels form an extendable passenger loading bridge, which has flaps as to allow for easy access to the roller assemblies. The roller assemblies are placed in close vicinity to an edge of a passenger loading bridge tunnel, and are disengageable from the tunnel without disassembly of the passenger loading bridge.

[0001] This application claims the benefit from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/352,845 filed on Feb. 1, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to passenger loadingbridges and more particularly to passenger loading bridges that can betelescopically extended.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In order to make aircraft passengers comfortable, and in order totransport them between the airport terminal and the aircraft in such away that they are protected from weather and other environmentalinfluences, passenger loading bridges are used, which can betelescopically extended and the height of which is adjustable. Forinstance, an apron drive bridge in present day use comprises a pluralityof adjustable modules, including a rotunda, a telescopic tunnel, abubble section, a cab, and elevating columns with wheel carriage.Typical bridges include two or three telescoping tunnels, which arerectangular in cross-section, the inner one of which is supported by therotunda arranged to provide passage to and from the terminal through adoor or gate, and the outer one by a drive unit which can position theouter end of the bridge adjacent a door of the parked aircraft. Changesin the length of the bridge, achieved by extending or retracting thetelescoping tunnels, are necessary for a number of reasons, includingthe provision of a clear, unimpeded path for parking of the aircraft,accommodation of variations in the length of various aircraft types andthe location of the passenger door thereon or different doors on a giventype of aircraft, compensation for variations in the parked position ofthe aircraft, and/or clearance for the push vehicle and the aircraft asthe aircraft is pushed back, or otherwise moves away, from the gate.

[0004] Conventional passenger loading bridges for large jet aircraft arewell known in the art as illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,167 issuedto Lichti on Mar. 3, 1964, U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,942 issued to Wollard etal. on May 9, 1967, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,660 issued to Lichti on Dec.24, 1985. Although the basic principles of passenger loading bridges arewell described in the early art, particular aspects of such a device aresubject to constant improvements.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,086 issued to Hansen et al. on Jan. 6, 1998teaches a passenger loading bridge having an outer tunnel and an innertunnel telescopically received within the outer tunnel and defining anoverlapping area on each of the tunnels, and including a first rollerassembly carried by the overlapping area of the inner tunnel forengaging a surface of the outer tunnel, and a second roller assemblycarried by the overlapping area of the outer tunnel and normallyengaging a surface of the inner tunnel. The first and second rollerassemblies are attached to floor members of the respective tunnel. Sincethe roller assemblies assist in reducing the downward load in theoverlapping area of the bridge sections, this invention provides apassenger loading bridge which eliminates or significantly reduces thecompressive loads imposed on side walls of the bridge, which reduces thesize of side wall members for a given loading, which eliminates the needfor high strength flanges on the upper corners of the inner tunnels,which reduces the number of roller assemblies, which is easier toinstall and maintain, and which can be less costly to manufacture.Hansen et al. do not disclose roller assemblies attached to top members,however guide rollers are provided at the upper corners of the tunnelsfor engaging the sidewall of an adjacent tunnel so as to relativelyalign the adjacent tunnels.

[0006] Besides the aspect of functionality and practicability ofpassenger loading bridges, there exists the need for a propermaintenance of such devices, which is desirable for obvious reasons,including the aspects of passenger safety, as well as an increasedlifespan of the bridge. Hansen et al. have already briefly mentionedthis problem, but did not address it in greater detail.

[0007] One of the critical components in this regard are the abovementioned roller assemblies. The common constructions of passengerloading bridges, as for example the one disclosed by Hansen, do notallow for an easy access to the roller assemblies. In order to properlymaintain these roller assemblies, it might be necessary to completelydisengage the single bridge components.

[0008] It would be advantageous to provide a passenger loading bridgesuitable for all kind of aircrafts, which is constructed in a way as toprovide an easy access to the roller assemblies, without the need fordisengaging the single components of the bridge. It would be of furtheradvantage to provide a set of roller assemblies constructed in a way asto allow for independent maintenance of these devices.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In an attempt to overcome the limitations of the prior art it isan object of the instant invention to provide a passenger loadingbridge, in which the roller assemblies can be easily and independentlyaccessed and serviced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a passenger loading bridge comprising an inner passengerloading bridge tunnel section having an opening at each of two ends forpassenger communication therewith, and an outer roller assembly fixedlyattached to the inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section inproximity to one of the openings of said inner passenger loading bridgetunnel section and disposed outside said inner passenger loading bridgetunnel section, so that when said inner passenger loading bridge tunnelsection serves as an inner tunnel section of a telescoping passengerloading bridge, said outer roller assembly is rollingly engaged to asurface of an outer tunnel section of the telescoping passenger loadingbridge.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention thereis provided a passenger loading bridge having inner and outer tunnels,each tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section and a top section, saidinner tunnel and said outer tunnel telescoping with respect to eachother and defining an overlapping area on each of said tunnels, saidoverlapping area defining an inward edge for an inner tunnel, and anoutward edge for an outer tunnel, the direction of telescoping definingits longitudinal axis, the passenger loading bridge comprising aplurality of roller assemblies, each comprising a at least one wheelstructure, and each positioned in the proximity of an edge of a tunnelin such a manner so as to allow access thereto without disengaging saidinner and outer tunnels.

[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention,there is further provided a passenger loading bridge tunnel havingsidewalls, a floor section, and a top section, a first and a secondopening defined by the floor section, the top section and the sidewalls,as well as an inside and an outside defined by the floor section, thetop section and the sidewalls, the passenger loading bridge comprisingat least one roller assembly comprising a at least one wheel structure,positioned in proximity of the first opening and disengageably mountedon the floor section of the passenger loading bridge tunnel, and atleast one roller assembly comprising a at least one wheel structurepositioned in proximity of the first opening and disengageably mountedon the top section of the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described inconjunction with the following drawings, in which similar referencenumbers designate similar items:

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a prior art schematic top view of an exemplarypassenger loading bridge, comprising three telescoping tunnels;

[0015]FIG. 2a presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an innerand an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends an arrangement offour roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.

[0016]FIG. 2b presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an innerand an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a first arrangementof three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.

[0017]FIG. 2c presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an innerand an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a second arrangementof three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.

[0018]FIG. 2d presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an innerand an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a third arrangementof three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.

[0019]FIG. 2e presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an innerand an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a fourth arrangementof three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.

[0020]FIG. 2f presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an innerand an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends an arrangement of tworoller assemblies comprised of multiple wheel structures.

[0021]FIG. 3a shows a side view of a tunnel segment, serving as innertunnel as well as outer tunnel, having a set of four roller assembliescomprised of single wheel structures.

[0022]FIG. 3b shows a side view of a tunnel segment, serving as innertunnel as well as outer tunnel, having a set of three roller assembliescomprised of single wheel structures.

[0023]FIG. 3c shows a side view of a tunnel segment, serving as innertunnel as well as outer tunnel, having a set of two roller assembliescomprised of multiple wheel structures.

[0024]FIG. 4a shows a first embodiment of a roller assembly;

[0025]FIG. 4b shows a second embodiment of a roller assembly;

[0026]FIG. 4c shows a third embodiment of a roller assembly;

[0027]FIG. 5 shows roller assemblies attached to an inner tunnel bymeans of shafts;

[0028]FIG. 6 presents another side view of the overlapping ends of aninner and an outer tunnel, indicating possible access to the rollerassemblies; and,

[0029]FIG. 7a presents a perspective view down from the inward edge ofan outer tunnel to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, showing closedflaps that enable easy access to the roller assemblies attached to theinner tunnel.

[0030]FIG. 7b presents a perspective view down from the inward edge ofan outer tunnel to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, showing one flapthat enables easy access to the roller assemblies attached to the innertunnel.

[0031]FIG. 7c presents a perspective view down from the inward edge ofan outer tunnel to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, showing two openflaps that enable easy access to the roller assemblies attached to theinner tunnel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The following description is presented to enable a person skilledin the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the contextof a particular application and its requirements. Various modificationsto the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit andthe scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intendedto be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosedherein.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art exemplary passenger loadingbridge 1 is shown. The exemplary passenger loading bridge 1 has threetelescoping tunnels identified in the drawings as tunnels A, B, and C.Tunnel B slips over and encircles tunnel A, and slips inside of, and isencircled by tunnel C. Tunnel A therefore operates as an inner tunnel,tunnel C operates as an outer tunnel, whereas tunnel B operates as aninner tunnel with respect to tunnel C, as well as an outer tunnel withrespect to tunnel A.

[0034] Each of the tunnels has sidewalls, as well as a floor section 2,and a top section 3, respectively. The overlapping of the inner tunnelwith respect to the outer tunnel, defines an inward edge for the innertunnel, and an outward edge for the outer tunnel. The inward edgeincludes a left edge, a right edge, a floor edge, and a top edge for aparticular tunnel. These definitions also apply in the case where thepassenger loading bridge contains two tunnels, or more than threetunnels.

[0035]FIGS. 2a through to 2 f, illustrate the overlapping of an innertunnel A with respect to an outer tunnel B. Each tunnel is provided withroller assemblies, which provide for inner tunnel mobility with respectto the outer tunnel thus allowing for telescoping movement of the innertunnel within the outer tunnel along a longitudinal axis. Further, theroller assemblies provide for alignment in both vertical directions,substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0036] The roller assembly comprises an at least one wheel structure anda mounting fixture for the at least one wheel structure. The at leastone wheel structure comprises either of at least one single wheelstructure and at least one multiple wheel structure. A single wheelstructure comprises one wheel and a fixture for attaching said wheelstructure to either of the mounting fixture and another wheel structure.A multiple wheel structure is comprised of more than one single wheelstructures, arranged in a sequential manner, along an axis substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the passenger loading bridge, wherethe wheel structure closest to the outward edge of a tunnel member ofthe passenger loading bridge is attached to the tunnel member of thepassenger loading bridge, and a subsequent wheel structure is attachedto the wheel structure closest to the outward edge, with any followingsubsequent other wheel structures attached to the preceding wheelstructure, forming the multiple wheel structure. Optionally, themultiple wheel structure is a structure having a frame and apredetermined number of wheels mounted thereon. Having at least onewheel

[0037] In FIG. 2a, roller assemblies 11, 12, 21, and 22 between theoverlapping section of the tunnels A and B are shown. These rollerassemblies comprise one or more single wheel structures. Two of theroller assemblies, namely 11 and 12, are disposed in proximity of theoutward edge of the outer tunnel B and in contact with inner tunnel A.One of these roller assemblies 11 is disposed at the floor section ofthe outer tunnel B, while the other one 12 is disposed at its topsection. The two roller assemblies allow for rolling of tunnel Athereon. The other two roller assemblies 21 and 22 are disposed inproximity of the inward edge of the floor section and of the top sectionof the inner tunnel A, respectively, and are in contact with the outertunnel B for rolling thereon. Optionally, at least one of the tunnels issupported by a bearing construction.

[0038] Although the presence of four roller assemblies lends enhancedstability to the structure described above, only three roller assembliesare optionally installed for an inner tunnel A and an outer tunnel B toproperly fulfill their telescoping function. In FIG. 2b, an overlappingsection of an inner tunnel A and outer tunnel B is shown where threeroller assemblies 11, 12, and 21 are utilized. Here, the non-overlappingedge of the inner tunnel A is oriented towards a terminal building orthe like, whereas the non-overlapping edge of the outer tunnel isoriented towards an aircraft. Thus in the telescoping action, the outertunnel B slides over the inner tunnel A. Further, the outer tunnel B issupported by a bearing construction 20.

[0039] In FIG. 2c, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outertunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 11, 12, and 22 areutilized. Again, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A isoriented towards a terminal building or the like, whereas thenon-overlapping edge of the outer tunnel is oriented towards anaircraft. In this case, the inner tunnel A is supported by the bearingconstruction 20.

[0040] In FIG. 2d, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outertunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 12, 21, and 22 areutilized. Here, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A isoriented towards an aircraft, whereas the non-overlapping edge of theouter tunnel is oriented towards a terminal building or the like. Thusin the telescoping action, the inner tunnel A slides inside the outertunnel B. Further, the inner tunnel A is supported by a bearingconstruction 20.

[0041] In FIG. 2e, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outertunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 11, 21, and 22 areutilized. Again, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A isoriented towards an aircraft, whereas the non-overlapping edge of theouter tunnel is oriented towards a terminal building or the like. Inthis case, the inner tunnel A is supported by a bearing construction 20.

[0042]FIG. 2f illustrates another manner in which the outer tunnelengages a surface of the inner tunnel, while fulfilling telescoping aswell as inner tunnel, with respect to outer tunnel, centeringrequirements. Roller assemblies 31 and 32 comprising at least onemultiple wheel structure are disposed at the outward edge of the outertunnel B, being in contact with inner tunnel A, for rolling thereon. Oneof the roller assemblies 31 comprising at least one multiple wheelstructure is disposed at the floor section of the outer tunnel B, whilethe other of the multiple roller assemblies 32 comprising at least onemultiple wheel structure is disposed at its top section. The rollerassemblies 31 and 32 comprising at least one multiple wheel structuremaintain the essential function of rendering the inner tunnel movablewith respect to the outer tunnel, while providing for approximatecentering of the inner tunnel with respect to the outer tunnel.Optionally, at least one of the tunnels is supported by a bearingconstruction.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 3a through 3 c, a side view of tunnel B ispresented. Since tunnel B serves as the inner tunnel as well as theouter tunnel, roller assemblies are attached at its outward edge,defined by the overlapping area of tunnels A and B as shown in FIG. 1,as well as on its inward edge, defined by the overlapping edge oftunnels B and C as shown in FIG. 1. Since tunnel B serves as both aninner tunnel as well as an outer tunnel, the roller assemblies 11 and 12at the outward edge of tunnel B are directed to the inside of thetunnel, and the roller assemblies 21 and 22 at the inward edge of tunnelB are directed to the outside of the tunnel. This embodiment of tunnel Bis shown in FIG. 3a. In FIG. 3b, an embodiment, which only comprises thethree roller assemblies 11, 12 and 21, is shown. Of course, other tunnelsection comprising sets of three roller assemblies such as rollerassemblies 11, 12 and 21, roller assemblies 12, 21 and 22, and rollerassemblies 11, 21 and 22, are easily envisaged. In FIG. 3c, the tunnelcomprises two roller assemblies 31 and 32 comprising at least onemultiple wheel structure, disposed at its outward edge. These rollerassemblies 31 and 32 each comprising at least one multiple wheelstructure are directed to the inside of the tunnel.

[0044]FIGS. 4a through 4 c illustrate various types of roller assemblyconfigurations, for mounting to either the floor section of a tunnel, orto the top section of a tunnel. In FIG. 4a, the roller assemblycomprises two single wheel structures 111 and 112, which are disposed atthe left side and at the right side of the inward edge or the outwardedge of the particular section of the tunnel. Of course, the singlewheel structures are replaceable with the multiple wheel structures.Another roller assembly mounting configuration is shown in FIG. 4b, inwhich the roller assembly comprises one single wheel structure 113,which is disposed in the middle between the left side and the right sideof a particular floor or top section. Again, the single wheel structureis replaceable with the multiple wheel structure. Optionally, the rollerassembly comprises a plurality of single wheel structures, distributedbetween the left side and the right side of a particular section.Further optionally, the roller assembly comprises a single roller-likestructure 114, the roller-like structure extending from the left side tothe right side of a particular section, as shown in FIG. 4c.

[0045] The roller assemblies 11, 12, 21, 22, 31, and 32 comprise singleor multiple wheel structures that are attached to the mounting fixturein a manner providing an easy means for disengagement of the rollerassemblies from the tunnel. For example, each wheel structure isdisengable from the tunnel through the use of a tool, or through the useof a latching mechanism.

[0046] The roller assembly is optionally attached to the tunnel by meansof a shaft. It is then possible that a roller assembly points away fromthe tunnel it is attached to, meaning that the roller assembly inproximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is awayfrom the tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a planeparallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through theroller assembly other than bisects the same tunnel. Referring to FIG. 6,an exemplary side view of the overlapping area between the inner tunnelB and outer tunnel C is shown, wherein the roller assemblies 21 and 22are attached to the inner tunnel by means of the shafts 41 and 42.

[0047] When an inner tunnel is telescoping within an outer tunnel, spacebetween the outer and inner tunnel, in the form of a cavity, is notcompletely sealed by tunnels having only sidewalls, a floor section anda top section. Additional panels are desirable, in order to protect thecavity formed between the outer tunnel and the inner tunnel so thatmembers which are placed inside this cavity, and which fulfill essentialfunctions in order to ensure proper operation of the loading bridge, asfor example said roller assemblies, are protected from the elements andfrom harmful influences due to airport exhausts and the like. Closing ofthe cavity at the inward edge of the floor section is especiallyimportant so as to prevent passenger injury.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary side view of the overlappingarea between the inner tunnel B and outer tunnel C is shown, as well asa possible means for protecting the cavity formed between the inner andouter tunnels. Two flaps 51 and 52 are attached at the outward edge ofthe floor and the top section of the outer tunnel C, respectively. Theseflaps close the cavity between the outer and the inner tunnel at theoutward edge of the floor and the top sections, and also allow easyaccess to the roller assemblies 11 and 12. Similarly, flap 61 isattached at the inward edge of the floor section and flap 62 is attachedto the top sections of the inner tunnel B, thereby closing the cavitybetween the outer tunnel and the inner tunnel at the inward edge of thefloor and the top sections, while allowing easy access to the rollerassemblies 21 and 22.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7a, a perspective view of a retracted innertunnel with respect to an outer tunnel is shown. The perspective view isfrom the inward edge of an outer tunnel down to the outward edge of aninner tunnel, with flaps 61 and 62 closing the space between the floorand the top sections of the inner and the outer tunnel, respectively.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 7b, these flaps are attached to the innertunnel by hinges in a way, which allows them to pivot around an axissubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the innertunnel. Providing an easy access to the cavity between the floor and topsections of the inner and outer tunnel, thereby effectively allowing foreasy access to floor mounted roller assemblies 21 and top mounted rollerassemblies 22.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7c, the flaps 61 and 62 alternatively compriseof two single flaps, for example 611 and 612. Each single flap isattached to either the left side or the right side of the inner tunnelusing hinges, in such a manner that each flap is pivotable about an axissubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel,offering access to roller assemblies 21 and 22.

[0052] Advantageously, the placement of roller assemblies at the edgesof the inner and outer tunnels, as well as the configuration andplacement of flaps allows for easy access to said roller assemblieswithout the need of disassembling the single modules of the passengerloading bridge, thus greatly facilitating the maintenance of extendablepassenger loading bridges.

[0053] Further advantageously, when using multiple wheel structures,only one wheel of the multiple wheel structure is attached to the tunneland as a result the multiple wheel structure is removable as a singleunit, thereby allowing for easier maintenance of extendable passengerloading bridges.

[0054] Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A passenger loading bridge comprising: an innerpassenger loading bridge tunnel section having an opening at each of twoends for passenger communication therewith; an outer roller assemblyfixedly attached to the inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section inproximity to one of the openings of said inner passenger loading bridgetunnel section and disposed outside said inner passenger loading bridgetunnel section, so that when said inner passenger loading bridge tunnelsection serves as an inner tunnel section of a telescoping passengerloading bridge, said outer roller assembly is rollingly engaged to asurface of an outer tunnel section of the telescoping passenger loadingbridge.
 2. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 1, wherein saidouter roller assembly is attached to a bottom section of said innerpassenger loading bridge tunnel section.
 3. A passenger loading bridgeaccording to claim 1, wherein said outer roller assembly is attached toa top section of said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section. 4.A passenger loading bridge according to claim 1, comprising: an outerpassenger loading bridge tunnel section having an opening at each of twoends for passenger communication therewith; and, an inner rollerassembly fixedly attached to the outer passenger loading bridge tunnelsection in proximity to one of the openings of said outer passengerloading bridge tunnel section and disposed inside said outer passengerloading bridge tunnel section, wherein the outer passenger loadingbridge section is telescopically engaged with the inner passengerloading bridge section such that the inner roller assembly is rollinglyengaged to a surface of the inner tunnel section and, wherein the rollerassembly is detachable from said outer tunnel without disassembly ofsaid telescoping passenger loading bridge tunnel sections one fromanother.
 5. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 4, whereinsaid inner roller assembly is attached to the floor section of saidouter tunnel.
 6. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 4,wherein said inner roller assembly is attached to the top section ofsaid outer tunnel.
 7. A passenger loading bridge having inner and outertunnels, each tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section and a topsection; said inner tunnel and said outer tunnel telescoping withrespect to each other and defining an overlapping area on each of saidtunnels; said overlapping area defining an inward edge for an innertunnel, and an outward edge for an outer tunnel, the direction oftelescoping defining its longitudinal axis, the passenger loading bridgecomprising: a plurality of roller assemblies, each comprising a at leastone wheel structure, and each positioned in the proximity of an edge ofa tunnel in such a manner so as to allow access thereto withoutdisengaging said inner and outer tunnels.
 8. A passenger loading bridgeaccording to claim 7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is asingle wheel structure, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the outward edgeof the floor section of the outer tunnel, in contact with the innertunnel for rolling thereon; and at least one roller assembly positionedin proximity of the outward edge of the top section of the outer tunnel,in contact with the inner tunnel for rolling thereon.
 9. A passengerloading bridge according to claim 8, the plurality of roller assembliescomprising: at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of theinward edge of the floor section of the inner tunnel, in contact withthe outer tunnel for rolling thereon.
 10. A passenger loading bridgeaccording to claim 8, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising: atleast one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge ofthe top section of the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnelfor rolling thereon.
 11. A passenger loading bridge according to claim7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a single wheel structure,the plurality of roller assemblies comprising: at least one rollerassembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge of the floor sectionof the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnel for rollingthereon; and, at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity ofthe inward edge of the top section of the inner tunnel, in contact withthe outer tunnel for rolling thereon.
 12. A passenger loading bridgeaccording to claim 11, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising: atleast one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the outward edge ofthe floor section of the outer tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnelfor rolling thereon.
 13. A passenger loading bridge according to claim11, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising: at least one rollerassembly positioned in proximity of the outward edge of the top sectionof the outer tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnel for rollingthereon.
 14. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, whereinthe at least one wheel structure is a multiple wheel structure, theplurality of roller assemblies comprising: at least one roller assemblypositioned in proximity of the outward edge of the floor section of theouter tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnel for rolling thereon; andat least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the outward edgeof the top section of the outer tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnelfor rolling thereon.
 15. A passenger loading bridge according to claim7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a multiple wheelstructure, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising: at least oneroller assembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge of the floorsection of the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnel forrolling thereon; and at least one roller assembly positioned inproximity of the inward edge of the top section of the inner tunnel, incontact with the outer tunnel for rolling thereon.
 16. A passengerloading bridge according to claim 7, wherein the roller assembly isdisengageable from the tunnel without disassembly of the bridge.
 17. Apassenger loading bridge according to claim 16, wherein the rollerassembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use of a latchingmechanism.
 18. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 16, whereinthe roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use ofa tool.
 19. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, comprising:a flap hingedly mounted for covering at least one roller assembly andfor providing access to the at least one roller assembly.
 20. Apassenger loading bridge according to claim 7, comprising: a flaphingedly mounted to the floor section of the inner tunnel, extending thefloor section of the inner tunnel, and for providing access to the atleast one roller assembly.
 21. A passenger loading bridge according toclaim 20, comprising: a flap hingedly mounted, in an axis substantiallyorthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel, for providingaccess to the at least one roller assembly as well as for providing aninclined ramp and for allowing an other than step transition from theouter tunnel to the tunnel.
 22. A passenger loading bridge according toclaim 20, comprising: a flap hingedly mounted, in an axis substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel, for providingaccess to the at least one roller assembly as well as for providing aninclined ramp and for allowing an other than step transition from theouter tunnel to the tunnel.
 23. A passenger loading bridge according toclaim 7, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positionedwithin 24 inches of said edge.
 24. A passenger loading bridge accordingto claim 23, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge ispositioned within 12 inches of said edge.
 25. A passenger loading bridgeaccording to claim 24, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edgeis positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel fromthe plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the planedefined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other thanbisects the same tunnel.
 26. A passenger loading bridge according toclaim 24, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge ispositioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel from theplane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the planedefined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly bisects thesame tunnel.
 27. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7,wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on aside of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined bysaid edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edgeand passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the sametunnel.
 28. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 7,wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on aside of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined bysaid edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edgeand passing through the roller assembly bisects the same tunnel.
 29. Apassenger loading bridge tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section, and atop section, a first and a second opening defined by the floor section,the top section and the sidewalls, as well as an inside and an outsidedefined by the floor section, the top section and the sidewalls, thepassenger loading bridge comprising: at least one roller assemblycomprising a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity ofthe first opening and disengageably mounted on the floor section of thepassenger loading bridge tunnel; and at least one roller assemblycomprising a at least one wheel structure positioned in proximity of thefirst opening and disengageably mounted on the top section of thepassenger loading bridge tunnel.
 30. A passenger loading bridge tunnelaccording to claim 29, wherein at least one roller assembly isdisengageably mounted on the inside of the passenger loading bridgetunnel.
 31. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29,wherein at least one roller assembly is disengageably mounted on theoutside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel.
 32. A passenger loadingbridge tunnel according to claim 30, having a roller assembly, whichcomprises a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of thesecond opening disengageably mounted on the outside of the passengerloading bridge tunnel floor section.
 33. A passenger loading bridgetunnel according to claim 30, having a roller assembly, which comprisesa at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the secondopening disengageably mounted on the outside of the passenger loadingbridge tunnel top section.
 34. A passenger loading bridge tunnelaccording to claim 31, having a roller assembly, which comprises a atleast one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the second openingdisengageably mounted on the inside of the passenger loading bridgetunnel floor section.
 35. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according toclaim 31, having a roller assembly, which comprises a at least one wheelstructure, positioned in proximity of the second opening disengageablymounted on the inside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel topsection.
 36. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29,wherein the at least one wheel structure is a single wheel structure.37. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein theat least one wheel structure is a multiple wheel structure.
 38. Apassenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein a rollerassembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use of a latchingmechanism.
 39. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29,wherein a roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel through theuse of a tool.
 40. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim29, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an opening of thepassenger loading bridge tunnel is positioned within 24 inches of saidopening.
 41. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 40,wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned within12 inches of said opening.
 42. A passenger loading bridge tunnelaccording to claim 41, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edgeis positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the passengerloading bridge tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that aplane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through theroller assembly other than bisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.43. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 41, wherein aroller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of saidedge that is away from the passenger loading bridge tunnel from theplane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the planedefined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly bisects thepassenger loading bridge tunnel.
 44. A passenger loading bridge tunnelaccording to claim 29, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edgeis positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the passengerloading bridge tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that aplane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through theroller assembly other than bisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.45. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein aroller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of saidedge that is away from the passenger loading bridge tunnel from theplane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the planedefined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other thanbisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.